abandoned. In 1934, NC 19 was replaced by NC 26 in the area; justification was to avoid confusion with US 19. By the early 1940s, the Cox Creek route had reemerged as a new paved road, known locally as "the shortcut." By 1947, NC 26 was rerouted along Cox Creek route and the Etchoe Pass Road became NC 26A. In 1996, the second NC 226A was established along Mine Creek Road, providing a curvy bypass of Bakersville. While the eastern half of the route was an upgrade of existing secondary road, the western half was formerly part of NC 80. North Carolina Highway 26A North Carolina Highway 26A (NC 26A) was established around 1947 after NC 26 was rerouted on the more direct route between Woodlawn and Gillespie Gap, through the Cox Creek valley. In 1961, NC 26A was renumbered to NC 226A, in lockstep with NC 226; justification for change was to avoid confusion with I-26. Junction list References External links NCRoads.com: N.C. 226-A Transportation in McDowell County, North Carolina Transportation in Mitchell County, North Carolina 226A